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Legislative committees will hold public hearings as listed below for the purpose of considering nominations by the Governor for appointment to positions that require review by joint standing committees and to confirmation by the Legislature. You may testify at the public hearing or submit written testimony. Written testimony must be received by 9 am the day of the hearing and should be sent to: Legislative Information Office, 100 SHS, Augusta, Maine 04333-0100. Persons with special needs who wish to attend a Legislative hearing and require accommodations should notify the Legislative Information Office as soon as possible: 207-287-1692, FAX 207-287-1580, webmaster_lio@legislature.maine.gov.
[font=font36821]JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS AND FINANCIAL AFFAIRS[/font]
Senator Cathy Breen, Senate Chair, Representative Drew M. Gattine, House Chair
[font=font36821]Public Hearing:[/font] Tuesday, January 29, 2019, 2:30 PM, State House, Room 228
[font=font36821]Nominee:[/font] Kirsten Figueroa of Gardiner as the Commissioner of the Department of Administrative and Financial Services
The Commissioner of the Department of Administrative and Financial Services is the principal fiscal officer of Maine state government and the principal fiscal aide to the Governor. The commissioner is responsible for overall supervision and direction of the Department and for coordinating financial planning and programming activities of all state government departments and agencies for review and action by the Governor. The Commissioner serves at the pleasure of the Governor. A more detailed description of the Department can be found at http://janus.state.me.us/legis/statutes/5/title5ch13sec0.html.
[font=font36821]CONTACT:[/font] Marianne MacMaster, 287-1635
[font=font36821]JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY[/font]
Senator Susan Deschambault, Senate Chair, Representative Charlotte May Warren, House Chair
[font=font36821]Public Hearing:[/font] Friday, February 1, 2019, 10:00 AM, State House, Room 436
[font=font36821]Nominee:[/font] Randall A. Liberty of Clinton as the Commissioner of the Department of Corrections
The Commissioner of the Department of Corrections is responsible for the direction and general administrative supervision, guidance and planning of adult and juvenile correctional facilities and programs within the State. The Commissioner's statutory powers include: supervising, managing and controlling buildings and grounds, property, officers and employees, committed offenders, and research and planning activities of all correctional facilities and programs within the state. A more detailed description of the department can be found at http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/34-A/title34-Asec1402.html
[font=font36821]Public Hearing:[/font]Friday, February 1, 2019, 11:00 AM, State House, Room 436
[font=font36821]Nominee:[/font] Michael J. Sauschuck of Windham as the Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety
The Commissioner is the chief executive Officer of the Department which is comprised of the Bureau of State Police, Liquor Enforcement, State Fire Marshal's Office, Maine Criminal Justice Academy, Maine Highway Safety Committee, Vehicle Equipment Safety Commission and the Bureau of Capitol Security. A more detailed description of the Department can be found at http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/25/title25ch351sec0.html
[font=font36821]CONTACT:[/font] Cynthia Fortier, 287-1122
[font=font36821]JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE ON EDUCATION AND CULTURAL AFFAIRS[/font]
Senator Rebecca Millett, Senate Chair, Representative Victoria P. Kornfield, House Chair
[font=font36821]Public Hearing:[/font] Thursday, January 31, 2019, 1:00 PM, Cross Building, Room 208
[font=font36821]Nominee:[/font] A. Pender Makin of Scarborough as the Commissioner of the Department of Education
The Commissioner of the Department of Education is the chief executive officer of the Department. The Department includes various boards, commissions and bureaus and has statutory responsibility for supervising, guiding, and planning a coordinated system of public education for all citizens of the State; interrelating public education with other programs and services; and for encouraging and stimulating public interest in the advancement of education. The commissioner's primary responsibilities include enforcing applicable regulatory requirements for school administrative units; providing technical assistance to school administrative units; and providing educational public leadership for the state. A more detailed description of the Department can be found at http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/20-A/title20-Ach3sec0.html
[font=font36821]CONTACT:[/font] Jayne Deneen, 287-3125
[font=font36821]JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES[/font]
Senator Brownie Carson, Senate Chair, Representative Ralph L. Tucker, House Chair
[font=font36821]Public Hearing:[/font] Wednesday, January 30, 2019, 10:00 AM, Cross Building, Room 216
[font=font36821]Nominee:[/font] Gerald D. Reid of Harpswell as the Commissioner of the Department of Environmental Protection
The Commissioner is the chief executive officer of the Department, having responsibility for coordinating the work of the bureaus within the department. The Department of Environmental Protection is charged with the protection and improvement of the quality of Maine's natural environment and the resources which constitute it, and with the enhancement of the public's opportunity to enjoy the environment by directing growth and development which preserves for all time an ecologically sound environment. The Commissioner shares with the Board of Environmental Protection statutory authority to exercise the police powers of the state to prevent the pollution of the natural environment. A more detailed description of the Department can be found at http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/38/title38sec341-A.html
[font=font36821]CONTACT:[/font] Caleb Roebuck, 287-4149
[font=font36821]JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE ON HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES[/font]
Senator Geoff Gratwick, Senate Chair, Representative Patty Hymanson, House Chair
[font=font36821]Public Hearing:[/font] Thursday, January 31, 2019, 1:00 PM, Cross Building, Room 209
[font=font36821]Nominee:[/font] Jeanne M. Lambrew of Augusta as the Commissioner of the Department of Health and Human Services
The Commissioner is responsible for the overall direction and supervision of the Department, which has broad statutory authority for the general supervision of the interests of health and life of all Maine citizens. The Department's specific duties include carrying out programs in health care maintenance, protective services for children and adults, assistance programs for the economically indigent, rehabilitation of the physically handicapped, and services for the elderly. A more detailed description can be found at http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/22-A/title22-Ach1sec0.html
[font=font36821]CONTACT:[/font] Rowland Robinson, 287-1317
[font=font36821]JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE ON HEALTH COVERAGE, INSURANCE AND FINANCIAL SERVICES[/font]
Senator Heather B. Sanborn, Senate Chair, Representative Denise A. Tepler, House Chair
[font=font36821]Public Hearing:[/font] Thursday, January 31, 2019, 1:00 PM, Cross Building, Room 220
[font=font36821]Nominee:[/font] Anne L. Head of Yarmouth as the Commissioner of the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation
The Commissioner is the chief administrative officer of the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation (10 MRSA § 8002), which is charged by law with the overall regulation of financial institutions, insurance companies, grantors of consumer credit, and the licensing and regulation of professional and occupational trades. A more detailed description of the Commissioner's duties can be found at http://legislature.maine.gov/statutes/10/title10sec8002.html
[font=font36821]CONTACT:[/font] Veronica Snow, 287-1314
[font=font36821]JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE ON INLAND FISHERIES AND WILDLIFE[/font]
Senator Jim Dill, Senate Chair, Representative Catherine M. Nadeau, House Chair
[font=font36821]Public Hearing:[/font] Wednesday, January 30, 2019, 9:00 AM, Cross Building, Room 206
[font=font36821]Nominee:[/font] Judith Camuso of Freeport as the Commissioner of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
The Commissioner has overall responsibility for administration of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife and must have a demonstrated support and understanding of the basics of modern wildlife and fisheries management and experience in hunting, fishing or trapping. The commissioner has responsibility for the direction of the Department's divisions and for enforcement of laws and management of inland fish and wildlife in the State. A more detailed description of the Department can be found at http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/12/title12sec10101.html
[font=font36821]CONTACT:[/font] Linda Lacroix, 287-1338
[font=font36821]JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE ON INNOVATION, DEVELOPMENT, ECONOMIC ADVANCEMENT AND BUSINESS[/font]
Senator Erin Herbig, Senate Chair, Representative Matthea Elisabeth Larsen-Daughtry, House Chair
[font=font36821]Public Hearing:[/font] Tuesday, January 29, 2019, 1:00 PM, Cross Building, Room 202
[font=font36821]Nominee:[/font] Heather Johnson of Norridgewock as the Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development
The commissioner must have background and experience in areas of community and economic development. The commissioner coordinates the department's programs and services and reviews the operation of the economic delivery system in Maine to support community development, tourism, and promoting Maine products. A more detailed description of the Department can be found at http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/5/title5sec13058.html
[font=font36821]CONTACT:[/font] Tim Grose, 287-4880
[font=font36821]JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY[/font]
Senator Michael E. Carpenter, Senate Chair, Representative Donna Bailey, House Chair
[font=font36821]Public Hearing:[/font] Thursday, January 31, 2019, 1:30 PM, State House, Room 438
[font=font36821]Nominee:[/font] The Honorable John H. O'Neil, Jr. of Kennebunk as a Superior Court Justice
The Superior Court consists of 17 Justices, including a Chief Justice and Active Retired Justices. The Superior Court has jurisdiction over matters which are not within the exclusive jurisdiction of the District Court. It is Maine's trial court and the only court in which civil and criminal jury trials are held. A more detailed description of the Superior Court can be found at http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/4/title4ch3sec0.html.
[font=font36821]CONTACT:[/font] Susan Pinette, 287-1327
[font=font36821]JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE ON LABOR AND HOUSING[/font]
Senator Shenna Bellows, Senate Chair, Representative Mike A. Sylvester, House Chair
[font=font36821]Public Hearing:[/font] Wednesday, January 30, 2019, 10:00 AM, Cross Building, Room 202
[font=font36821]Nominee:[/font] Laura Fortman of Nobleboro as the Commissioner of the Department of Labor
The Commissioner is responsible for the achievement of the most effective utilization of employment and training resources in the State; is responsible for overall direction of the units within the department and for reviewing functions and operations; collecting data; providing dispute resolution; and monitoring the employee leasing industry. A more detailed description of the Department can be found at http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/26/title26ch19sec0.html
[font=font36821]Nominee:[/font] John C. Rohde of Cumberland as the Executive Director, Maine Workers' Compensation Board
The board, established by 30-A MRSA § 151, is an independent board, composed of 7 members, one of whom is the executive director. The executive director is the chair and chief executive officer. The board is responsible for assuming an active and forceful role in the administration of workers' compensation laws to ensure that the system operates efficiently and with maximum benefit to both employers and employees. A more detailed description of the board can be found at http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/39-A/title39-Ach3sec0.html
[font=font36821]CONTACT:[/font] Safiya Khalid, 287-1331
[font=font36821]JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE ON MARINE RESOURCES[/font]
Senator Dave Miramant, Senate Chair, Representative Jay McCreight, House Chair
[font=font36821]Public Hearing:[/font] Tuesday, January 29, 2019, 1:00 PM, Cross Building, Room 206
[font=font36821]Nominee:[/font] Patrick C. Keliher of South Gardiner as the Commissioner of the Department of Marine Resources
As chief administrative officer of the Department of Marine Resources, the Commissioner has responsibility for conserving and developing the marine and estuarine resources of the State of Maine; promoting and developing the Maine commercial fishing industry; sponsoring and conducting marine research; enforcing laws relating to marine resources and the commercial fishing industry; assisting in promoting and marketing marine resources products, and providing advice to other State agencies and the Federal Government. A more detailed description of the Department can be found at . http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/12/title12sec6022.html
[font=font36821]CONTACT:[/font] Linda Lacroix, 287-1337
[font=font36821]JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION[/font]
Senator Bill Diamond, Senate Chair, Representative Andrew McLean, House Chair
[font=font36821]Public Hearing:[/font] Tuesday, January 29, 2019, 1:00 PM, State House, Room 126
[font=font36821]Nominee:[/font] Bruce A. Van Note of Topsham as the Commissioner of the Department of Transportation
The Commissioner of Transportation, who serves at the pleasure of the governor, has primary responsibility for the administration of the Department of Transportation. The Commissioner's specific powers include: developing a comprehensive, balanced transportation policy and plan for Maine that will meet the present and future needs of adequate, safe and efficient transportation facilities and service; acquiring, constructing, operating, and maintaining such harbor facilities as may be necessary to implement the planned development of coastal resources, ports and harbors; and overseeing matters relating to railroad safety. A more detailed description of the department may be found at http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/23/title23sec4206.html
[font=font36821]CONTACT:[/font] Darlene Simoneau, 287-4148
[font=font36821]JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE ON VETERANS AND LEGAL AFFAIRS[/font]
Senator Louis J. Luchini, Senate Chair, Representative John C. Schneck, House Chair
[font=font36821]Public Hearing:[/font] Wednesday, January 30, 2019, 9:00 AM, State House, Room 437
[font=font36821]Nominee:[/font] Douglas A. Farnham of Bangor as the Adjutant General - Commissioner of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management
The Adjutant General who also serves as the Commissioner of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management must have attained the federally recognized rank of Colonel in the Maine National Guard, but may not hold a grade above major general. The Adjutant General is responsible for administering the Department and for operating and maintaining military facilities necessary to comply with State and Federal law. A more detailed description of this position can be found at http://www.mainelegislature.org/legis/statutes/37-B/title37-Bsec3.html.
[font=font36821]CONTACT:[/font] Karen Montell, 287-1310
Jan. 19, 2019
